can st helens challenge leeds again?

ST HELENS

Coach: Mick Potter (since December 2008).

Captain: Keiron Cunningham.

Previous finishes (most recent last): 1st (champions), 3rd, 4th, 2nd (champions), 2nd (champions), 4th, 1st (champions), 4th, 5th, 1st (lost in final eliminator), 1st (champions), 1st (runners-up), 1st (runners-up), 2nd (runners-up).

2009 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries - Leon Pryce 16; goals - Sean Long 49; points - Sean Long 117.

Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Leigh, 2005).

Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2004).

Ground and capacity: Knowsley Road, 17,100.

2009 average attendance: 11,027 (up 287).

Record Super League attendance: 18,098 (v Warrington, 1996).

In: Sia Soliola (Sydney Roosters), Nick Fozzard (Hull KR), Scott Moore (returned from loan spells at Castleford and Huddersfield).

Out: Jason Cayless (Wests Tigers), Sean Long (Hull), Lee Gilmour (Huddersfield).

Player to watch: Sia Soliola - at last a centre replacement for Willie Talau, although the New Zealand international could find himself in the pack for much of the season.

Rising star: Gary Wheeler - among a crop of hugely promising youngsters, he demonstrated his versatility by appearing in most back positions in 2009 and looks sure to get more game time this year.

Odds to finish top: 5-2.

Prospects: The departure of Long and Gilmour will increase the dependence on the club's crop of talented youngsters but Saints still have enough class to challenge Leeds.

Prediction: 2nd.

Share this page

• del.icio.us
• Digg
• Facebook